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Richardson rises to the top of the Lowell Police Department (VIDEO)

By Aaron Curtis, acurtis@lowellsun.com

Updated:
08/10/2018 08:22:35 AM EDT

Deputy Chief Raymond "Kelly" Richardson stands in front of the Lowell police station, which he will now oversee. The 31-year LPD veteran on Wednesday was selected to take over as the city's new police superintendent. SUN/AARON CURTIS

LOWELL -- Deputy Police Superintendent Raymond "Kelly" Richardson, a 31-year veteran of the department, will take over as the city's new police chief, City Manager Eileen Donoghue announced Wednesday.

The transition from current Interim Superintendent Jonathan "Jack" Webb is expected to take place at some point next week, according to Donoghue.

"Deputy Richardson has a lot of experience, knowledge and the ability, I believe, to lead Lowell Police Department," Donoghue said. "He has played a key role in the community of Lowell."

After 31 years of climbing through the ranks of the Lowell Police Department, Wednesday's announcement stands out the most, Richardson said from behind his desk. He intends to grow closer to the community and work to put a halt to the recent string of gun crimes and violence in the city.

"I have close ties to the community as is," said Richardson, a married father of two. "I think I need to strengthen those ties, and we need to address the recent violent events in the city because they're not going to go unanswered."

Webb, whose rank is captain, stated last month that the recent spike in shooting incidents is a result of violence between gangs -- the Cambodian Mob Family and Outlaws -- and is centered around drug trafficking. Webb reported at that time that of the dozen shooting incidents in the city since February, nine can be attributed to the two gangs.

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"I have to address these incidents of violence in the city," Richardson said Wednesday. "I'm not going to let this city go backward. We're going to go forward and do what we have to do to stop the violence. I want the community to have the faith in me that I have in them."

Richardson began his career as a civilian dispatcher for six years before becoming an LPD patrolman in 1987. After climbing the ranks, he achieved the rank of deputy superintendent since July 2017.

In a ceremony last year at City Hall, then-Lowell Police Superintendent Bill Taylor, left, watches as Kelly Richardson dons his hat after being named deputy superintendent. On Wednesday, Richardson, a 31-year LPD veteran, was named to replace Taylor, who retired. SUN FILE PHOTO

"Every time I got promoted, I saw that I could help the organization, and that's what I plan on doing as chief," Richardson said.

His career highlights include awards and commendations for his achievements, including the dismantling of a major drug organization, reducing the crime rate of his assigned sector by 14 percent, and the investigation and apprehension of homicide suspects.

Richardson's father, Raymond, and brother, Gary, were both members of the Lowell Police Department. Another brother, Kevin Richardson, is a retired chief of the Dracut Police Department.

There were 13 applicants for the LPD superintendent's position, according to Donoghue. The pool as reduced to six, all of whom were interviewed.

"That process has been going on for the past couple weeks," Donoghue said. "We've had outstanding candidates (and it) was a very difficult decision."

Donoghue talked to various community groups and held a public forum to establish the qualities and policies wanted in the chief. A quality often mentioned during the public forum was more interaction within the community.

Webb served as interim superintendent since May 16, taking over for Superintendent William Taylor, who served as superintendent since 2013 and for more than three decades with the LPD.

Shortly after announcing that Richardson will succeed Taylor on a permanent basis, Donoghue said Webb "has done an outstanding job for the city of Lowell" as interim.

"I cannot be more proud of the work he has done through a summer that has been challenging for the Police Department and for the city," the city manager said. "He has shown tremendous leadership."

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